The group-stage qualifiers kick off on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with Matchdays 1 and 2 running until October 6. Since the opening fixtures are yet to be played, all 48 teams currently begin with zero points.

The qualifying campaign will consist of six matchdays. After the opening two rounds, the action will return between November 9 and 17, 2026, before the final two matchdays are played from March 22 to 30, 2027.

2027 AFCON Qualifying Groups

Group A: Morocco, Gabon, Niger, Lesotho
Group B: Egypt, Angola, Malawi, South Sudan
Group C: Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Somalia
Group D: South Africa, Guinea, Kenya, Eritrea
Group E: DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe
Group F: Burkina Faso, Benin, Mauritania, Central African Republic
Group G: Cameroon, Comoros, Namibia, Congo
Group H: Tunisia, Uganda, Libya, Botswana
Group I: Algeria, Zambia, Togo, Burundi
Group J: Senegal, Mozambique, Sudan, Ethiopia
Group K: Mali, Cape Verde, Rwanda, Liberia
Group L: Nigeria, Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau.

2027 AFCON Qualifiers Group Standings

With the group stage yet to begin, every team starts with 0 points, 0 goals scored and 0 goals conceded.

The same starting record applies to all teams across Groups B to L ahead of Matchday 1.

Matchday 1 Fixtures

Thursday, September 24

• Namibia vs Congo — Group G
• DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea — Group E
• Mauritania vs Central African Republic — Group F
• Libya vs Botswana — Group H
• Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana — Group C
• Sierra Leone vs Zimbabwe — Group E
• Cameroon vs Comoros — Group G
• Tunisia vs Uganda — Group H

Friday, September 25

• Tanzania vs Guinea-Bissau — Group L
• Niger vs Lesotho — Group A
• Malawi vs South Sudan — Group B
• The Gambia vs Somalia — Group C
• Togo vs Burundi — Group I
• Sudan vs Ethiopia — Group J
• Rwanda vs Liberia — Group K
• Nigeria vs Madagascar — Group L
• Morocco vs Gabon — Group A
• Egypt vs Angola — Group B
• Burkina Faso vs Benin — Group F
• Algeria vs Zambia — Group I
• Senegal vs Mozambique — Group J
• Mali vs Cape Verde — Group K

Saturday, September 26

• Kenya vs Eritrea — Group D
• South Africa vs Guinea — Group D.

Matchday 2 Fixtures

The second round begins on September 28, with the final fixtures scheduled for October 6.

September 28

• Equatorial Guinea vs Sierra Leone — Group E
• Zimbabwe vs DR Congo — Group E
• Central African Republic vs Burkina Faso — Group F
• Botswana vs Tunisia — Group H

September 29

• Gabon vs Niger — Group A
• Lesotho vs Morocco — Group A
• South Sudan vs Egypt — Group B
• Ghana vs The Gambia — Group C
• Somalia vs Côte d’Ivoire — Group C
• Benin vs Mauritania — Group F
• Comoros vs Namibia — Group G
• Congo vs Cameroon — Group G
• Uganda vs Libya — Group H
• Zambia vs Togo — Group I
• Burundi vs Algeria — Group I
• Mozambique vs Sudan — Group J
• Ethiopia vs Senegal — Group J
• Cape Verde vs Rwanda — Group K
• Liberia vs Mali — Group K
• Madagascar vs Tanzania — Group L
• Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria — Group L

September 30

• Eritrea vs South Africa — Group D

October 1

• Guinea vs Kenya — Group D

October 6

• Angola vs Malawi — Group B.

2027 AFCON Qualification Format

The qualifiers are being contested on a home-and-away basis across six matchdays, with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four.

In groups without a co-host, the top two teams will qualify for the 2027 AFCON finals.

There is a slight difference in Groups D, H and L, which contain co-hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania respectively. Those three nations have already secured automatic qualification, meaning only the highest-ranked team outside the host will qualify from each of those groups.

For Nigeria, that makes Group L particularly significant, with the Super Eagles drawn alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. Tanzania already have their place at the finals secured as one of the co-hosts.

When Is AFCON 2027?

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda jointly hosting the tournament. It will be the first AFCON to be staged across three countries.

The remaining qualification schedule is:

• Matchdays 1 & 2: September 24 – October 6, 2026
• Matchdays 3 & 4: November 9 – 17, 2026
• Matchdays 5 & 6: March 22 – 30, 2027

By the end of the final window, the 24-team field for the tournament is expected to be complete.

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The announcement follows Senegal’s exit from the tournament, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable international journey that saw Mané establish himself as one of the greatest players in the country’s football history.

The 34-year-old had earlier hinted that the World Cup would be his last tournament in Senegal colours, and he has now made that decision official after more than a decade of representing his nation at the highest level.

During his time with the national team, Mané became a central figure in Senegal’s rise as a continental powerhouse. He played a leading role in delivering the country’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022 before helping the Lions of Teranga secure a second AFCON crown in 2025.

Across a career that produced well over 100 international appearances, Mané scored crucial goals, captained his country with distinction and inspired a new generation of Senegalese footballers through his consistency, leadership and dedication.

Reflecting on his decision, the former Liverpool forward thanked the people of Senegal and everyone who supported him throughout his international career.

“I will support the young players until the World Cup, and after that, it will be over. I thank the Senegalese people. I’m very happy. I gave everything in this match because I knew it was my last here. Representing Senegal has been the greatest honour of my career, and I leave knowing I gave everything for my country.”

Although his chapter with the Senegal national team has come to an end, Mané is expected to continue playing at club level as he begins the next phase of his illustrious football career.

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Motsepe met with Senegalese football chief Bassirou Diomaye Faye during the visit, stressing that his trip was meant to show solidarity with local football leadership. However, he did not directly address CAF’s disputed ruling that stripped Senegal of its AFCON title last month—a decision that has ignited widespread debate across the continent.

The controversy stems from the chaotic January final, in which Senegalese players staged a walkout, prompting questions over officiating and governance in African football. During his visit, Motsepe acknowledged concerns over the credibility of certain refereeing and CAF judicial decisions.

“Some of those decisions do not enjoy the respect and credibility which is very important to us,” he said.

President Faye, who has consistently defended the national team, engaged in talks with Motsepe aimed at easing tensions and restoring confidence in African football administration.

The visit comes as CAF faces growing scrutiny over its decision-making processes, with calls from stakeholders for greater transparency and accountability in managing football across the continent. The Dakar trip underscores Motsepe’s efforts to reassure member associations while navigating a highly sensitive period in African football.

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This milestone not only increases the continent’s representation but also raises hopes of going further than Morocco’s historic semi-final run in 2022.

The qualified African teams are Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, South Africa, and DR Congo. Nine teams earned direct qualification as group winners, while DR Congo secured their spot through the intercontinental playoffs.

This expanded representation gives African teams a stronger platform to compete for top honors while also showcasing emerging talents on a global stage. Scouts, clubs, and fans worldwide will be watching closely, potentially opening doors for many players to secure moves to top leagues.

As expectations rise, African nations are not only aiming to participate but also to make a significant impact. With growing confidence and recent progress in international competitions, the dream of an African country lifting the World Cup trophy feels closer than ever.

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In a statement released on Wednesday, CAS confirmed that it has formally registered an appeal submitted by Senegal’s football federation against both the Confederation of African Football and Morocco. The appeal challenges CAF’s earlier decision to strip Senegal of their AFCON 2025 title and instead award Morocco a 3–0 victory.

At the heart of the case is CAF’s ruling from March 17, 2026, which declared Senegal to have forfeited the final. Through this new appeal, the Senegalese federation is pushing for that decision to be overturned and for Senegal to be reinstated as champions. They have also asked for more time to file their full legal arguments, stating that they are yet to receive the detailed reasoning behind CAF’s verdict.

The controversy stems from the dramatic final played on January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Senegal had originally secured a 1–0 win in extra time, but the match was overshadowed by a tense moment late in regulation time when the team staged a 14-minute walkout after a penalty was awarded against them. Morocco, however, failed to convert the spot kick, and Senegal went on to score the decisive goal through Pape Gueye.

Following the match, Morocco appealed, and on January 29, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled in their favour. The board cited Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations, concluding that Senegal’s actions warranted a forfeiture, and officially recorded the result as a 3–0 win for Morocco.

The decision sparked outrage from Senegal’s camp, with the federation branding it a “travesty” lacking any legal basis. Secretary General Abdoulaye Seydou Sow made their stance clear, insisting: “We will not back down. The truth is on Senegal’s side, the law is on Senegal’s side.”

Senegal’s case is expected to hinge on interpretations of the Laws of the Game. Their argument centres on the idea that the incident falls under “field-of-play matters,” which are typically within the sole authority of the referee under Article 5—meaning the outcome of the match should not be altered after the fact, even if the penalty decision was controversial.

CAS has confirmed that an arbitral panel will now be set up to review the case and determine the next steps. However, with Senegal requesting a delay in submitting their full appeal, the timeline for proceedings remains uncertain.

In the meantime, CAF has already updated its official records, listing Morocco as AFCON 2025 champions and Senegal as runners-up.

As the case unfolds, it is being closely followed across African football, with many seeing it as a defining moment that could shape how disputes—and even match results—are handled off the pitch in the future.

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In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, authorities in Dakar described CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the title as “grossly illegal, profoundly unjust, and a sham,” escalating what began as a football controversy into a full-blown diplomatic and legal standoff.

The latest development follows CAF’s Appeals Committee ruling, which overturned Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time victory over Morocco and instead awarded a 3–0 forfeit win to the North African side. The decision was based on a brief protest during the match, when Senegalese players walked off the pitch over a disputed penalty call before later returning to complete the game.

Reacting to the ruling, the Senegalese government argued that CAF’s action contradicts the very foundation of fair competition in sport.

“Senegal cannot tolerate an administrative decision that erases commitment, merit, and sporting excellence achieved on the field,” the statement read. “By calling into question a result achieved at the end of a match that was properly played to its conclusion, CAF seriously undermines its own credibility and the trust of the African people.”

The government confirmed its full backing for the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) as it prepares to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. However, officials hinted that the matter may go beyond CAS, with plans to explore additional legal avenues if necessary.

Beyond the legal challenge, Senegal has also raised serious concerns about the integrity of CAF’s decision-making process. The government is pushing for an external audit, citing “suspected corruption” and demanding greater transparency around how the Appeals Committee reached its verdict.

At home, the government has thrown its weight behind the players, insisting that Sadio Mané and his teammates remain the “rightful and only” champions in the eyes of the nation.

The controversy centres on Article 84 of AFCON regulations, which CAF interpreted to mean that Senegal’s temporary walk-off—even though the team returned to finish and win the match—constituted a forfeiture. While Morocco has maintained that it only sought the “strict application of competition regulations,” Senegal views the outcome as a targeted and unfair punishment.

As tensions rise, the Senegalese government has appealed for calm among angry fans across West Africa, assuring citizens that it will pursue justice until what it calls the “truth of the pitch” is recognised globally.

With the battle now stretching beyond football into legal and political territory, the AFCON 2025 saga is shaping up to be one of the most controversial episodes in African football history.

BREAKING: Senegal’s government call for an investigation into suspected corruption at CAF following the governing body’s decision to overturn the Africa Cup of Nations victory 🚨 pic.twitter.com/9aJLhEJuaL

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 18, 2026

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The fallout from CAF’s controversial decision to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco has deepened, with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and captain Sadio Mané both breaking their silence in strongly worded statements.

In a ruling that has stunned the football world, CAF officially overturned Senegal’s victory two months after the final, declaring Morocco champions instead. The decision, announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, followed a review of events that occurred during the January 18 final in Rabat.

The match, which was locked at 0-0 deep into stoppage time, took a dramatic turn when Senegal’s players staged a protest by walking off the pitch for about 20 minutes after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco. Although the team later returned—reportedly convinced by their captain, Sadio Mané—and went on to win 1-0 after extra time, CAF ruled that the temporary walk-off breached competition rules.

Citing Articles 82 and 84, CAF’s Appeals Committee concluded that Senegal’s action amounted to a forfeiture, leading to a 3-0 victory being awarded to Morocco and the title officially reassigned.

Reacting swiftly, the Senegalese Football Federation rejected the decision outright, describing it as both unfair and damaging to the image of African football. The body also confirmed plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute. We acted in the interest of fair play on the night, yet we are being punished for a situation handled with the utmost leadership by our captain.”

The federation maintained that since the match was completed and a winner emerged on the pitch, the original result should not have been overturned.

Sadio Mané, who was instrumental in ensuring the match resumed and was later named Player of the Tournament, also expressed deep disappointment over the development.

“We won that trophy with our sweat and our hearts on the pitch in Rabat,” he said. “To take it away in a boardroom months later is not football. I went into that dressing room to bring my brothers back because we wanted to prove we were the best through play, not politics. This decision hurts every Senegalese person, but we know who the real champions are.”

With the ruling, Morocco has been officially crowned AFCON 2025 champions via a 3-0 forfeit, while Senegal’s players—including Mané—have been stripped of their winners’ medals. The case is now expected to head to CAS, setting up a potentially lengthy legal battle.

The controversy has sparked widespread debate about officiating, discipline, and the increasing influence of VAR in African football. While Morocco insists the decision simply reflects enforcement of the rules, many in Senegal see it as a harsh and targeted sanction.

As attention shifts toward the 2026 World Cup, the Lions of Teranga now face not only preparations on the pitch but also a fight off it—one aimed at reclaiming a title they believe was rightfully theirs.

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The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially handing the title to Morocco following a controversial appeal decision.

What was initially celebrated as a hard-fought triumph for Senegal has now been reversed, rewriting the narrative of one of the tournament’s most intense finals in recent memory.

The final, played earlier in the year, saw Senegal secure a narrow 1–0 win over Morocco after extra time in a fiercely contested clash. However, the match was marred by tension during a crucial VAR decision, when Senegalese players protested a penalty call and briefly walked off the pitch.

That moment, which seemed like a passing incident at the time, would later become the centrepiece of the controversy. Morocco subsequently lodged an official complaint, asking CAF to review the circumstances surrounding the disruption.

After weeks of review, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal’s temporary walk-off amounted to a breach of competition regulations. Acting in line with its disciplinary code, the governing body imposed a strict sanction.

As a result, the match was awarded to Morocco as a 3–0 forfeit, effectively handing them the AFCON 2025 trophy. The decision not only overturns the original result but also delivers a historic continental title to Morocco, sparking celebrations among their supporters.

Meanwhile, the fallout is far from over. Senegal are expected to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, setting the stage for a legal battle that could further prolong the controversy.

The incident is already being described as one of the most contentious moments in African football history, underlining both the growing impact of VAR decisions and the importance of discipline at the highest level of the game.

The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”),…

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) March 17, 2026

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down multiple sanctions against the football federations of Senegal and Morocco, while confirming a five-month suspension for Senegalese coach Pape Thiaw following the dramatic incidents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco.

The final, held in Rabat, descended into chaos for over fifteen minutes as Senegal threatened to abandon the pitch in protest of refereeing decisions by Congolese official Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo.

The controversy peaked when Morocco was awarded a late penalty after a VAR review. However, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy brilliantly denied Brahim Diaz’s panenka attempt, pushing the match into extra time.

The decisive moment came just three minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye struck a stunning left-footed goal from the edge of the box, securing Senegal’s second AFCON title.

CAF’s disciplinary action focused on Thiaw, who was caught instructing his players to head back to the locker room after Morocco’s penalty.

“To suspend Pape Thiaw, the head coach of the Senegalese national team, for five (5) official CAF matches for his unsporting conduct in violation of the CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity and for bringing the game into disrepute, and also fined USD 100,000,” read the CAF statement.

Thiaw’s suspension will cover the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, but he remains eligible to lead Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Lions of Teranga are in Group I with France, Norway, and the winners of intercontinental playoffs between Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq.

CAF also sanctioned Senegalese players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, suspending them for two matches each for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) wasn’t spared either, facing fines totaling USD 615,000 for various breaches:

• USD 300,000 for improper conduct of supporters
• USD 300,000 for unsporting behaviour of players and technical staff
• USD 15,000 for cautions received by five players

Morocco also faced penalties. Defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban, with one match suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari was handed a three-match suspension and fined USD 100,000. The Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) was fined USD 200,000 for ball boys’ misconduct and USD 100,000 for improper conduct by players and staff who interfered with the VAR review.

Finally, CAF dismissed Morocco’s protest alleging violations by Senegal under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, officially reaffirming Senegal as 2025 AFCON champions.

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The official squad is dominated by players from the tournament’s top three nations, reflecting their impact throughout the month-long competition.

AFCON 2025 Best XI

Goalkeeper:

• Yassine Bounou (Morocco) – Awarded Best Goalkeeper, providing a safe pair of hands throughout the tournament.

Defenders:

• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – Right-back, part of Morocco’s defensive backbone.
• Calvin Bassey (Nigeria) – Central defender, praised for his physicality and consistency.
• Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal) – Central defender, forming a solid partnership with Bassey.
• Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) – Left-back, complementing Morocco’s defensive unit.

Midfielders:

• Idrissa Gana Gueye (Senegal) – Anchoring the midfield with defensive discipline.
• Pape Gueye (Senegal) – Defensive midfield powerhouse and scorer of the winning goal in the final.
• Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – Winger, recognised for his creativity and assist tally.

Forwards:

• Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – Tournament Golden Boot winner with five goals.
• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Striking force and one of the tournament’s most lethal forwards.
• Sadio Mané (Senegal) – Captain and Player of the Tournament, leading Senegal’s attack with authority.

Nigeria had three players in the final XI: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey, highlighting their impressive performances despite finishing third.

The selection underscores the dominance of Senegal and Morocco, with both teams providing the bulk of the defensive and midfield structures, while the attack was shared among the top performers of the tournament.

This Best XI celebrates the players who made the biggest impact on AFCON 2025, combining talent, consistency, and moments of magic on the biggest stage in African football.

Excellence, position by position. Meet the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 best XI. 🌟@Midea pic.twitter.com/DP3r3AzMiF

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 21, 2026

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Morocco forward Brahim Diaz has issued an emotional apology after his missed penalty proved decisive in his country’s 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, admitting his “soul hurts” over the moment that denied Morocco a long-awaited continental title.

The dramatic incident came deep into stoppage time in Rabat, when Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 98th minute after Diaz was brought down by defender El Hadji Malick Diouf. The decision, confirmed following a Video Assistant Referee review, sparked chaotic scenes both on the pitch and in the stands.

Senegal players briefly walked off in protest, encouraged by head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, and it took more than 14 minutes for order to be restored.

When play eventually resumed, Diaz stepped up and attempted a Panenka-style penalty, but the weak chip was comfortably gathered by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The miss turned out to be a pivotal moment, as the match went into extra time before Pape Gueye struck the winning goal to hand Senegal the trophy.

Taking responsibility for the outcome, Diaz wrote on X:
“Yesterday I failed, and I take full responsibility and apologise with all my heart.

“It will be hard for me to recover because this wound does not heal easily, but I will try. Not for myself, but for all who believed in me and for all who suffered with me.

“I will keep going until someday I can give back all this love and be a pride for my Moroccan people.”

The 26-year-old, who plays for Real Madrid, was born in Malaga and previously represented Spain before switching allegiance to Morocco in 2024.

Despite the painful finale, Diaz enjoyed an outstanding tournament, finishing as the top scorer at AFCON 2025 after finding the net in each of Morocco’s first five matches.

Morocco’s quest for a first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1976 will now stretch on, with their 50-year wait set to continue until at least the 2027 tournament.

Me duele el alma. Soñé con este título gracias a todo el amor que me habéis dado, a cada mensaje, a cada muestra de apoyo que me hizo sentir que no estaba solo. Luché con todo lo que tenía, con el corazón por encima de todo.

Ayer fallé y asumo toda la responsabilidad y me… pic.twitter.com/W7oBP6crru

— Brahim (@Brahim) January 19, 2026

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The knockout phase is set to kick off on Saturday, January 3, and run through Tuesday, January 6, with two matches scheduled daily at 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm (local time), according to details published on CAF’s official website on Wednesday.

The round of 16 will burst into life on Saturday as 2021 champions Senegal square up against Sudan at the Grand Stade de Tangier, marking the first do-or-die encounter of the tournament. Later that evening, Mali will lock horns with Tunisia in Casablanca, with Mali hoping to move closer to a maiden AFCON crown, while the North Africans aim to relive the glory of their lone triumph in 2004.

Attention will shift to Sunday, when host nation Morocco faces Tanzania at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. The Atlas Lions topped Group A, while Tanzania snuck into the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed teams from Group C.

Sunday night promises fireworks as South Africa battle Cameroon in Rabat, a clash layered with intrigue as Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos comes up against the Indomitable Lions— the very team he guided to AFCON success in 2017.

Egypt and Nigeria Enter the Fray

On Monday, seven-time champions Egypt will take on Benin in Agadir as the Pharaohs continue their quest for a first AFCON title since 2010.

Later that night, Nigeria, one of the most impressive sides in the group stage, will face Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. The Super Eagles will be eyeing a deep run as they seek to go one better than their silver-medal finish at AFCON 2023.

The Round of 16 will wrap up on Tuesday, with Algeria clashing against DR Congo in Rabat before defending champions Côte d’Ivoire take on Burkina Faso in Marrakech, closing what promises to be a thrilling opening knockout round.

CAF also confirmed that the quarter-finals will hold on January 9 and 10, while the grand finale is scheduled for January 18 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.

CAF AFCON MOROCCO 2025 – ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES

Saturday, January 3, 2026

• Senegal vs Sudan — 5:00 pm, Grand Stade de Tangier
• Mali vs Tunisia — 8:00 pm, Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca

Sunday, January 4, 2026

• Morocco vs Tanzania — 5:00 pm, Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat
• South Africa vs Cameroon — 8:00 pm, Stade Al Medina, Rabat

Monday, January 5, 2026

• Egypt vs Benin — 5:00 pm, Grand Stade de Agadir
• Nigeria vs Mozambique — 8:00 pm, Complexe Sportif de Fès

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

• Algeria vs DR Congo — 5:00 pm, Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat
• Côte d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso — 8:00 pm, Grand Stade de Marrakech

With the group stage drama now behind them, Africa’s finest will turn their attention to knockout football—where one mistake can end a dream, and one moment can make history.

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